Pregnant with the Immortal Venerable's Child After Divorce - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: You’re Becoming More and More Like Eldest Martial Brother…

A’Fu’s action was too sudden. Yan Zhu didn’t react right away. By the time he withdrew his hand, the red thread was already tied around his wrist.

If it were peacetime, Yan Zhu wouldn’t overthink it, but the person opposite him happened to be wearing Wen Sucheng’s face, which gave him an indescribable sense of strangeness. He frowned and asked, “A’Fu, what are you doing?”

He didn’t use any harsh words, but he knew that A’Fu was smart enough to understand.

“I asked for it for Martial Uncle,” A’Fu explained, head lowered. “Is it not allowed?”

Hearing this, Yan Zhu’s heart immediately softened, and he even felt a little guilty.

How could he suspect his own disciple?

“Of course it’s allowed,” Yan Zhu lowered his eyes, looking at the red thread. “You don’t want us to separate?”

A’Fu shook his head.

It was somewhat contradictory, but Yan Zhu understood.

In A’Fu’s heart, he and Wen Sucheng were like his parents. Although the two had separated, their relationship wasn’t a bitter, life-and-death one. While A’Fu supported his choice, as a child, he inevitably harbored some hope.

Thinking of this, Yan Zhu sighed softly, then reached out and ruffled his hair again, saying, “Don’t overthink it.”

He didn’t know if he was referring to their relationship or simply to A’Fu.

A’Fu leaned in and asked him, “Master, why did you separate from Martial Uncle?”

Yan Zhu smiled, “Because he’s boring.”

This was what he had told Qi Ranyin, and it was part of the reason.

A’Fu said, “But you were married for many years.”

“That’s why it became unbearable,” Yan Zhu smiled. “It accumulated over time, and one day I suddenly felt it wasn’t suitable anymore.”

A’Fu frowned slightly. He actually had other things to say, but his position and “age” prevented him from voicing them. Finally, he could only ask, “Was Martial Uncle not like this when you first got married?”

Yan Zhu was momentarily stunned.

Their marriage… how long ago was that?

Although outsiders always said they were a pair of Dao companions forced together by their families and without feelings, few people knew that they had known each other since they were very young.

Wen Sucheng was twelve when he arrived at Mingxin Sect, and Yan Zhu was four.

Father was very happy during those days, saying he had found a once-in-a-lifetime disciple, praising his bone structure, his potential, and predicting a great future for him—in short, he was very talented.

Yan Zhu didn’t quite understand these things then. He only remembered that the new Eldest Martial Brother was tall, but very thin, with a fierce expression, rarely spoke, but was very obedient, much like a possessed puppet.

Eldest Martial Brother woke up on time every day, read, then practiced his sword, ate on time, then practiced his sword, and after dinner, continued to practice his sword until bedtime, repeating the cycle the next day.

Only a possessed puppet would do the same thing day after day.

So sometimes he would secretly run over and pat Eldest Martial Brother’s back, as if he were a possessed puppet. Usually, a possessed puppet would stop and wait for instructions, and if no command came after a while, it would leave. But Eldest Martial Brother wouldn’t. He would just move to the side.

Later, Mother found out about this and forbade him from going. She said Eldest Martial Brother would become very powerful in the future and shouldn’t be disturbed. So he stopped approaching, but he would still sit on the doorstep with his bowl every morning during breakfast, watching him practice his sword from afar, for many years.

Until one day, Mother suddenly called him to her bedside and asked, “Xiao Zhu, are you willing to become Dao companions with Sucheng?”

He was over a hundred years old that year, and his cultivation, built up with medicine, had reached its limit. If he couldn’t find better and rarer medicine, he would start aging like an ordinary person.

He knew Mother had been worrying about this, but he didn’t know what method she had found, only vaguely guessing it was related to Eldest Martial Brother.

“I’m not willing,” Yan Zhu said. “Mother, I’ve already lived much longer than an ordinary person, I’m very lucky. I accept my own fate.”

When Yan Zhuiyun heard this, tears flowed from her eyes.

Her health was already very poor then. Wrinkles appeared on her once youthful face, and her hair started turning white—signs that her lifespan was coming to an end.

And her son would soon be like her, perhaps even leaving earlier.

“It’s your scoundrel of a father, and it’s my fault,” Yan Zhuiyun whispered. “I can’t bear to lose you, I can’t bear to lose you.”

Yan Zhu had heard these words for many years, but perhaps because Yan Zhuiyun looked so fragile at the time, he couldn’t help but get teary-eyed. He took her hand and smiled, “I’m very happy to be able to stay with Mother.”

“I don’t need you to stay with me,” Yan Zhuiyun withdrew her hand, pushing his hand away slightly. Her voice became gentler, like she was coaxing a young child. “I’ve already discussed it with him. He’s willing to share his lifespan with you. In exchange, you have to give him the spirit treasure.”

Yan Zhu frowned, “He has a very good sword.”

Yan Zhuiyun shook her head, saying, “You don’t understand yet. In short, this matter is settled, alright?”

Yan Zhu looked at his mother’s worried, guilty eyes, and finally nodded.

As for how his mother discussed it with his father, he wasn’t clear, but his marriage with Wen Sucheng was quickly decided.

However, their marriage was very chaste. On their wedding night, they only lay in the same bed, barely exchanging a few words.

Wen Sucheng’s attitude towards him remained the same. He rarely spoke to him, was either practicing his sword or undergoing trials. The only difference was that whenever he had time, he would return to their residence, and on holidays or special days, he would prepare a gift for him.

Apart from that, Yan Zhu’s life didn’t change much, except he no longer had to worry about impending death. He had plenty of time to do what he wanted.

Wen Sucheng, on the other hand, had changed his sword.

Yan Zhu’s gaze fell on the sword at A’Fu’s waist: “This is the sword Eldest Martial Brother used a long time ago.”

A’Fu was stunned: “Master remembers?”

Yan Zhu nodded: “I thought at the time… this sword wasn’t suitable for Eldest Martial Brother.”

The sword was entirely black, without any luster, but it was inlaid with many beautiful gems, making it look like a flamboyant demonic sword.

He didn’t think this sword suited Eldest Martial Brother.

That’s why Zui Xiu (Drunken Sleeve) came into being.

“It doesn’t suit you either,” Yan Zhu said. “When we go back, I’ll find you a new one.”

A’Fu shook his head, “I’m used to it.”

He had only used two swords in total. This black one had no name and wasn’t particularly handy, but since his Master gave it to him, he used it. Later, he switched to Zui Xiu, and this sword was never taken out again until one day Yan Zhu said he wanted to find a sword for A’Fu.

Yan Zhu stopped pressing the matter. A sword was like a Sword Cultivator’s wife; whether it was suitable was up to them, and outsiders had no right to comment.

As soon as this thought popped up, Yan Zhu suddenly felt strange again. If that were the case, wouldn’t this sword be a second marriage?

He mentioned this to A’Fu, and burst out laughing when he finished.

A’Fu was also startled upon hearing it, then looked at him with a complex expression: “Martial Uncle is too.”

Yan Zhu: ?

Oh right, by that logic, he was Wen Sucheng’s second marriage partner too.

Yan Zhu didn’t want to think about it anymore and simply pulled A’Fu towards the mess hall.

The mess hall here was also a business. People working here could eat for free, and guests only had to pay. The prices were a bit higher than the inns outside, but the food tasted good.

Yan Zhu quite liked it.

After eating, the two bought some local specialties from the temple and returned.

When they arrived back at the inn, Yan Zhituan was already waiting for him, holding a communication artifact.

“Great-Uncle,” Yan Zhituan called out obediently, presenting the item to Yan Zhu. “Great-Grandfather wants to speak with you.”

Yan Zhu took the communication artifact, pulled A’Fu to a comfortable seat, placed the artifact down, and activated it.

A man’s image appeared before the three of them.

The man’s expression was gentle. If one looked closely, they would notice his eyebrows and eyes resembled Yan Zhu’s. He was Yan Zhu’s uncle, Yan Shengyun.

He scrutinized Yan Zhu through the artifact for a long while before speaking: “Xiao Zhu.”

Yan Zhu nodded, obediently calling out “Uncle,” and A’Fu immediately followed suit.

The uncle and nephew hadn’t seen each other for many years. Although they corresponded occasionally, now that they were “face to face,” they didn’t know what to say.

After a long silence, Yan Shengyun finally asked, “Are you really not planning to come back?”

Yan Zhu nodded and said softly, “I’m doing well at Mingxin Sect. When Eldest Martial Brother has time, we’ll visit Uncle together.”

Yan Shengyun sighed upon hearing this: “Those rumors…?”

“They’re just rumors. Eldest Martial Brother and I have been traveling and only found out a few days ago,” Yan Zhu explained. “We’re fine, you don’t need to worry.”

Yan Shengyun nodded, then didn’t know what else to say.

He looked at the obedient child before him, thought of his deceased sister, and couldn’t help but mention, “Your mother wasn’t the type to tolerate being wronged.”

Yan Zhu nodded, “I know.”

Yan Shengyun then looked at Wen Sucheng.

Compared to Yan Zhu, he had even less to say to Wen Sucheng. He clearly understood that Yan Zhituan accompanying them today must have been known to the two of them, but it was his nephew’s choice, and he couldn’t comment. He simply nodded, then turned back to Yan Zhu: “Xiao Tuan said you’re going to the secret realm in Fengling Continent?”

Yan Zhu nodded.

Yan Shengyun said, “Xiao Tuan also needs to go. You can go together and look out for each other.”

Yan Zhu was just going for fun, so adding one person or not made no difference to him.

Yan Zhituan was quite happy. She had a good impression of this Great-Uncle. He was handsome, good-tempered, and wealthy! Although he was accompanied by an “aunt” with a cold demeanor, she didn’t have to interact with Wen Sucheng.

After the matter was settled, the group spent a few more days playing in Matchmaker Town before setting off for Fengling Continent.

Yan Zhituan had her own flying boat, but she figured Yan Zhu was so rich that his flying boat must be super luxurious, so she timidly asked if she could join him.

Yan Zhu naturally didn’t mind; there were plenty of rooms anyway.

Yan Zhituan was instantly happy. She was imagining how enormous the ship would be, but she fell silent for a moment when she saw the simple flying boat.

Yan Zhu couldn’t help but smile at her reaction: “Come in and have a look.”

Once inside the cabin, Yan Zhituan immediately became excited, running around the cabin, and even greeting the exquisite and beautiful possessed puppets she saw.

Yan Zhu had spent a few days with her and knew her personality was actually very cute, so he asked her why she had seemed so arrogant when they first met.

“My father taught me,” Yan Zhituan explained. “He said I should be confident outside so people won’t look down on me or bully me.”

Yan Zhu was amused. He patted her head and said, “Now you have us. You’re just a kid, go and have fun.”

Yan Zhituan responded happily and continued to run wildly on the ship.

Seeing her leave, A’Fu asked, “Do I need to continue like this?”

“We’re on the ship, after all,” Yan Zhu reassured him. “When we reach Fengling Continent, you can change back, don’t worry.”

But Fengling Continent was still far away, which meant A’Fu had to keep up the pretense for a long time.

One day, Yan Zhu had just woken up and was still groggy. When he saw A’Fu, disguised as Wen Sucheng, walking over, he didn’t react and subconsciously called out, “Eldest Martial Brother.”

His voice was hoarse and soft, and the tone was gentle.

A’Fu instinctively walked over and softly “hmm-ed.”

Yan Zhu reached out and grabbed the corner of his clothes, asking, “When did you get back? You were…” Before he could finish, he realized the situation wasn’t quite right, quickly let go, and complained, “Why didn’t you remind me?”

A’Fu didn’t answer, only asked, “What do you want?”

Yan Zhu stared at him for a few breaths, then sighed, “You’re becoming more and more like Eldest Martial Brother.”

“He taught me,” A’Fu said. “You woke up late today.”

Yan Zhu frowned: “Did I?” He looked at the timekeeping artifact in the room and realized he had indeed woken up half an shichen (hour) later than usual. He smiled, “It’s just a little bit.”

A’Fu frowned: “You woke up late yesterday too.”

Seeing him like this, Yan Zhu smiled and pinched his cheek: “Look how nervous you are. It’s nothing to relax and sleep a little more when we’re out playing.”

But A’Fu’s brow remained furrowed.

Although Yan Zhu didn’t have a fixed schedule, due to his long-term regular habits, he would naturally wake up on time every day, and feel sleepy when the time was right. Only when he stayed up late would he sleep a little longer.

But besides that, Yan Zhu was indeed fine.

However, Yan Zhu started waking up later and later, even Qi Ranyin teased Yan Zhu about being lazy lately.

Yan Zhu still gave the same answer: “When we’re out playing, we naturally have to relax a bit. It’s fine to sleep a little longer.”

The others had also checked Yan Zhu’s body, but found nothing wrong. A’Fu could only put the matter aside for now. When they reached Fengling Continent, the first thing he would do was ask where the best medical hall was.

When asked, the person smiled and directed him: “The best one in the city is definitely Huichun Hall (Spring Return Hall), but they can only treat minor injuries. The truly skilled one is the Chang Sheng Sect (Longevity Sect).”

Hearing this, A’Fu immediately said, “Then let’s visit the Chang Sheng Sect first.”

Yan Zhu found his anxious look amusing, but knowing that he was also concerned about him, he didn’t say much, only: “Then let’s go. It’s a good chance to see an old friend.”

It was no problem for the few of them to go in, but Kong Fu (Empty Float)…

“Isn’t it bad for you, a demonic cultivator, to mix into a place like this?”

Kong Fu was somewhat dismissive: “I could blend into Mingxin Sect. What’s the problem with a mere Chang Sheng Sect? Don’t worry, those below my cultivation level won’t be able to tell.”

And his cultivation was among the best in the cultivation world.

Still, Yan Zhu prepared a discreet artifact for him before taking him along to the Chang Sheng Sect.

The Chang Sheng Sect sounded impressive, but it wasn’t a very large sect. However, the sect was known for producing healing cultivators, and many people sought them out, so their reputation was huge.

Yan Zhu had often dealt with people from this sect before. When the receiving disciple asked who he was looking for, he thought for a moment and said, “Ying Yun Xian?”

The disciple was stunned to hear the name and asked, “Do you have an appointment?”

“An appointment is needed?” Yan Zhu hesitated. “Is he hard to see?”

The question also confused the receiving disciple, who explained, “Our Sect Leader is busy with a myriad of affairs. People who want him to see them are booked up for the next hundred years.”

Yan Zhu suddenly realized: “So he’s the Sect Leader. Then please relay a message for me, just say Yan Zhu is looking for him.”

As soon as the disciple heard the name, a bright smile immediately appeared on his face: “So it’s Daoist Friend Yan. Please come in quickly and have some tea. I’ll go find the Sect Leader right now!”

The swift change in attitude was simply astonishing.

Looking at the other party’s enthusiastic demeanor, A’Fu couldn’t help but frown.

Another acquaintance of Yan Zhu’s?